Saturday, March 24, 2007

What Is The Norm?


Searching to find and express ones self is a continual process for individuals of society. Aspects through which individuals, particularly youth, express and identify themselves vary tremendously if one were to compare British and American perspectives. Comparison by extreme locations is not necessary to understand that young British people express his/her beliefs, values, and views through dress, language, music, clothing, and habits just as Americans would. They do so in a multitude of ways, some of which have a history of being categorized within sub-cultures of society and considered a norm.

Wearing popular clothing and accessories, is physical evidence that an individual wants to fit in and conform to what seems to be the norm. Currently, the norm of young British females consists of worn-out-styled jeans, boots that they tuck their jeans in, shirts that pass the waste in length, multi-layers, headbands, bangle bracelets, chunky jewelry, and stripped and polka-dotted patterns. It would be normal to see a girl walking around wearing all those things together. Sounds tacky but is actually the trend. Track shoes, faded jeans, and t-shirts that look as if they’d fit a 10 year old are typical attire for British men.

The norm in which most individuals express themselves is always changing because new trends are always evolving. In contrast of fitting into this norm, some may dress a certain way to differentiate themselves from those around them to avoid the norm. The Bohimes, a British sub-culture, are those who wear whatever they choose and are considered non-conformists of the highest order. Such breaking of norms was considered socially deviant, a social crime of society, in the 1970s of England. According to Hebdige, this "crime" of refusal and revolt was committed through style (both material and musical in the case of punks) as a weapon of choice, hence elevating crime into art. What these individuals don’t realize is they are the ones who are setting the standards, trends, and fads for the future because they refuse to conform to such norms of style.

Style in subcultures is then considered pregnant with significance. Its transformations go ‘against nature’ and interrupt the process of ‘normalization’. They are movements towards a speech which offends the ‘silent majority’ and challenges the principle of unity and cohesion. Whether or not youthful individuals are dressing to conform to or stand apart from the norm of society, they are doing so in order to express who they are as an individual.

During the time of “Beatlmania” that started in Liverpool and eventually spread all over the world in an amazing phenomenon obsession, one can look at the British youth of that time and see how their passion for Beatles influenced their style and actions.

Youth are constantly sending out some sort of communication whether they are doing so in a subconscious state or not, to those surrounding them. This is a way to identify oneself through various aspects of society whether it’s through physical approaches of materialistic things or emotional approaches through the expression of views, beliefs, and language. All that has taken place in previous generations and all that is influenced in today’s generations will continue to impact society and the norms which we must choose to conform or avoid.

Find Your Escape

Americans living in busy cities are caught in a vicious lifestyle filled with sleep deprived nights, fast food, stressful work schedules, and a lack of exercise leading to dangerous health issues and a depreciation for the human life. The dollar doesn’t go as far as it used to and for many American’s, the typical 9-5 workday is a thing of the past.
Fire ants crawl into the night as they line both sides of the highway during rush hour. Men and women retire from their jobs shortly after the sun sets to complete a day’s work. The honking of horns by aggressive drivers drowns out the fuzzy radio station that speaks of war and terror. People who live in the cities that make up the Triangle in central North Carolina know just what it is like to live this type of lifestyle. The community is overcrowded with busybody struggling to get ahead in the fast-paced, money-driven culture. Fast cars, fancy restaurants and electronics glued to their ears, are a common scene in a late afternoon smog filled drive through the suburbs of Raleigh, in the surrounding towns of Cary and Morrisville. For many, this is a busy yet comfortable lifestyle that allows people to fulfill their personal needs of success, fortune, and progress.

This fast-paced, stressful lifestyle is killing the hard workers of America. A demanding work schedule and activity filled lifestyle leads to an unhealthy dose of stress, high blood pressure and strain on the heart. People are spending more time in the office or on the go and less time in the gym, outdoors and cooking healthy meals in their kitchens. Downtime is spent sprawled out on the sofa in front of the television because these individuals are too mentally exhausted to engage in physical activity. It is important to not lose sight of the important things in life. These "Busy Backsons" must find their escape from their demanding lifestyles so their bodies do not become overworked. There are many of places in the world that offer such a slower paced lifestyle filled with healthier, happier citizens.

In a place far away from all of the hustle and bustle lies a quiet tropical village where everyone knows each other by their first name. A warm breeze flows through the palm trees year round as many of the natives support their living by working outside. Relaxation is a virtue and progress takes a back seat to activities of leisure. The Aloha spirit runs deep in the souls of individuals living in the southern region of Maui. Lahaina is a small town that overlooks a clear shallow water harbor. In the hours just before dusk, the sun peers through the waves crashing on the breakwall just behind the village park. The surfers with their cinnamon colored skin compete with the inevitable sunset for that last perfect ride of the day. Spinner dolphins often cruise the bow of the fishing charters as they make their way to the open ocean. Tourists equipped with their pricey cameras and sunblock gaze in awe as they cruise the shops of the boardwalk. The natives can spot a “haole” or American from a mile away. They are like lost sheep wandering aimlessly around with their pale white skin and overgrown bellies. These people, who are the products of the "Busy Backson" American society, are very important economical assets to the small villages and towns throughout the island of Maui, but would certainly be lost in this slower paced lifestyle without their fast cars, busy schedules and expensive boutiques.

People have always managed to adapt to their surroundings and the lifestyles that govern their society. However, the city life is becoming a dangerous place for these multi-tasking workers. They key to finding success and happiness is to find an escape from the “Busy Backson” society; a place where everything moves at a slower pace and the mind, body and soul can unwind.

*"Busy Backson" - see "The Tao of Pooh" by Benjamin Hoff

Orton Hotel

I'm not a fan of history class at all, but I love historic places - places filled with many stories that may or may not be true. I wrote this last semester for a feature article assignment. I conducted a brief interview with the owner of this establishment, and he requested that when I was done I send him a copy. I have yet to do this and have chosen to use this assignment as a way to get one last bit of feedback before I send it his way.


Traveling down Front Street back in 1888, pedestrians would hear the clogging and clanging of horse-drawn buggies on the cobblestone streets. Upon arriving at 131 North Front Street, one would be looking at the extravagant and luxurious Orton Hotel.

The only thing one hears now on those same cobblestone streets is the roaring of cars, but unfortunately one will not stumble upon the Orton Hotel, maybe only a few guests who never checked out; the ghosts left hanging around.

The Orton was built in 1888 by Mr. K.M. Murchinson and contained 100 guest rooms. One of the great amenities of this hotel was the private toilets and baths, then a rarity. The hotel also served up other modern conveniences such as telephones, a newspaper stand, spacious parlors, a barbershop, as well as a billiard room and bar room, both of which still exist at that location today.

The hotel was lost in 1949 due to a fire. In addition to the structure, a few hotel guests and employees were lost as well. The only thing to survive the fire was the billiard and bar room, the barbershop, and part of the first floor.

What now stands in the Orton Hotel’s place is Fat Tony’s Italian Pub, and in the original basement, Orton’s Pool Hall and General Longstreet's Irish Pub, all owned and operated by Rich Anderson.

Orton’s Pool Hall houses three of the original pool tables that were installed in the 1940s, one of which is known for being an accessory to Willie Mosconi, who is famous for setting the world record in 1953 for the most pool balls consecutively sank by one person. Orton’s also has the name of “America’s oldest Pool Room.”

There are a few ghosts that are believed to still inhabit this facility. Some believe that there are three ghosts that haunt the remains of the Orton: a sailor, the sailor’s prostitute, and a piano man. According to local legend, each of the ghosts has their own areas where they like to hang out.

The sailor, whose name is William, was a frequent visitor to the hotel. Every time he was in the port he stayed at the Orton. This particular time he signed in under an alias name since a prostitute accompanied him. William is said to haunt the area towards the back of the poolroom near the dartboards. He has been said to strike up conversation with the females, but upon the return of the girl to point him out to friends, he would have disappeared.

Some have claimed to see the apparitions of a female near the front pool table and the jukebox. This female is thought to be the prostitute that was accompanying William to the hotel. According to Paul Blackmore, Orton’s and Longstreet’s bartender, when closing up one night the pages on the jukebox began flipping back and forth on their own. One might say that it could be the prostitute. Both William and the prostitute perished in the hotel fire.

The other ghost is said to be that of the piano man. The piano man played for guests of the hotel and also perished in the hotel. He, supposedly, would step out the back door to smoke cigarettes and some say they have seen him leaning in the doorway with his cigarette.

Longstreet's Irish Pub does not seem to have any one ghost that haunts it but is said to have an evil presence. The dimly lit bar with its dark wood furniture and shadows dancing on stonewalls help create the feeling of a ghostly charisma.

Longstreet's used to be the barbershop located in the Orton. Owner Rich Anderson says that he has two of the original shop chairs, but does not currently have them on display because of the much-needed work to restore them.

Upstairs at Fat Tony’s, one of the hanging lights above the bar sways back and forth frequently. Most of the bartenders and familiar patrons claim that it is William swinging on it. A heating and cooling vent blows directly on the lamp, but the story is a fun one to believe.

All three of the bars are stops on the Haunted Pub Crawl. The tour guide tells its guests of the Orton’s history and those who have remained “guests.” In celebration of the fame received for its ghosts, the three bars offer a “Haunted Pub Brew.”

If you are up for some ghost hunting, post up in one of the three bars with a pint of this eerie brew and see for yourself. Oh, and don’t forget to say hi to William.

Yo Girl, What's Your Myspace URL?

Today, it is more common to exchange website addresses than phone numbers. Meeting people has been revolutionized by the advent of online networking websites. Internet sites like Myspace, Facebook, and Friendster have become commonplace for anyone to join and become an active member. It is almost more uncommon for younger people to not have an online profile. But has this surge in online networking done away with good, old fashioned face-to-face talks?

Myspace, an online networking service, allows all types of people to come together and meet, without actually ever meeting. Members of the website browse through millions of profiles, or search for someone specific they know. They are then allowed to add these people as "friends," which enables them to communicate and send messages to one another, a great way to keep in contact with old friends or meet new ones.

Bands have their own section of the website that allows them to not only add friends but to post bulletins about up coming shows and promotions for their music. These band profiles also allow them to post songs, so that their friends can log on and listen. The website has given opportunity to a multitude of bands that normally would have had a much harder time garnering attention for themselves by actually getting out on the road and touring.

So what's the big deal?

For starters, communication through the internet completely removes the excitement from our lives. Kids don't go out to meet people at school basketball games or movies anymore. Individuals are becoming sorely deficient in their people skills due to lack of practice with face-to-face contact, or an actual conversation with someone. Teenagers would rather give and receive impersonal messages on the internet than have a heart-to-heart on the phone.

The dating scene has become a joke. Try meeting someone outside of the internet; it's a lot harder than it used to be. Remember the old cliche of walks on the beach? Well, the beaches are empty because everyone is glued to their computers, accepting the hundreds of friend requests that they get each day.

Humans, by nature, are social creatures. To deny ourselves the basic right of communication is ridiculous. No one will ever get to see facial expressions, or hear reactions about what was said if the internet keeps up. No one can deny that online websites have changed the way we live our lives. But has it changed our lives for the better?

Myspace is a hundred-million-dollar business. Other online websites are worth practically as much as well. They are funded directly by the number of users they get to visit their sites. This heavy traffic on their web domains allows for companies to advertise their products, as a way to influence and promote. If the entire world got off these networking sites for one day, several hundred businesses would lose money. But the chances of meeting a real-live friend would rise dramatically.

Friday, March 23, 2007

How Did Fast-Food Restaurant Succeed in China?

As people travel in the Chinese metropolitans today, they can easily sense the modern pulse of this ancient country. Many of the automobiles on the streets are Buicks, VWs, or Mitsubishis; the billboards promote the products of Estee Lauder and DKNY; neon lights reveal the locations of Starbucks, TCBY, and Baskin-Robbins. Of course, the biggest billboard and the brightest neon light are the fast-food restaurants: KFC, McDonald’s, and Pizza Hut.

As the first western-style fast food to land in China, Kentucky Fried Chicken opened its first restaurant in Beijing on November 12, 1987. When McDonald’s opened in 1992, the record of “attracting 40,000 customers on its first day” made headlines around the world. As of 2005, Pizza Hut has nearly 200 restaurants in more than 50 cities—included almost all the provincial capitals and large cities in China.

So how did fast-food restaurants reach such success in a country that “exported” thousands of its Chinese restaurants? Why are Chinese people so much in love with these notorious “junk foods?”

The obvious reason was perfect timing. Kentucky Fried Chicken entered China in the late 80s, when the country opened its “curtain” and decided to pursue economic success. Life quickly changed from a black and white, slow-motion film into a new and exciting colored movie. People started to earn more money, all at once calling for a faster lifestyle. The new generations experienced most of these changes: they roamed in the modern department stores, tried on the latest fashion styles, and learned about the “novel” concept of nightlife; simultaneously, they looked for different tastes to replace the traditional dishes they had grown up with. However, before the Colonel brought his fried chicken, western-style food had been a luxury for the privileged, or the westerners who stayed in the fancy hotels. When it appeared in China in 1987 therefore, KFC quickly became the western-style restaurant that was affordable for the middle-class Chinese.

Living with the Colonel’s chicken for less than three years, the Chinese became familiar with this new style of food and service. In fact, they embraced the variety of fast “junk” foods—hamburgers, pizza, and tacos. Though they might not know the exact meaning of Pizza Hut, or that KFC stands for Kentucky Fried Chicken, children in China learned quickly that fast foods were the alternatives when their parents did not have time to cook dinners.

Another reason for the successes of fast food restaurants was its dining environment. Unlike most traditional restaurants in China that only open during the lunch- and dinner-time, most fast-food restaurants had an open-door policy during the day. These restaurants were decorated in bright colors with clean settings, and often located close to the shopping districts, thus providing a relaxing environment for their customers who needed a place to rest and snack after a day of shopping, or for young people who needed a place to get together.

Of course, the uniformity of the menus was yet another important reason for fast food restaurants to be successful in China. As the economy grew, travel around the country became increasingly necessary, whether for business or for leisure needs. However, in most traditional restaurants, the types of dish would be provided were a guessing game for anyone who was unfamiliar with the areas. Walking down the streets in any cities, visitors were often hesitant about the various restaurants. A fast food restaurant, on the other hand, gave the promise of exactly the same food at any locations—this familiarity provided an apparent reason for most travelers to catch a quick meal in these restaurants.

The western marketing ideas and management styles certainly played additional roles in the success of these fast food restaurants. First, consistent quality and a friendly service were the noticeable result of the business management. In addition, the easy-repeating commercial songs, often-changing side dishes, the new concept of in-store birthday party, and well-equipped playground for children were successful marketing strategies that also paved the way for the successes of the fast food restaurants.

All of these elements provided reasons for customers of all ages to embrace this new food trend in China. As the country provides a market with billions of consumers, American fast food industry took their opportunities, expanded their Chinese divisions, and brought in billions dollar in revenues. However, the social impact of this new style of food, and more importantly the impact on its national health, should be discussed very soon, so China can still prevent this new and unhealthy eating trend to slow down the ancient country’s strong pulse.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Making Every Brush Stroke Count

For my internship at Wilma Magazine, I was asked to interview an artist and write an article summarizing her and what she does. I thought the article would fit perfectly with this assignment since it is one of the first interview articles I have written, and it is actually my first publication. You can see this article in the March issue of Wilma.

Before meeting Dixon Stetler, I looked up some background information on her so I that it seemed more like I had prepared for the interview. I became even more excited to meet her when I learned that her artwork is like nothing I had seen done before.

Dixon Stetler describes herself as a sculptor, but her work defies traditional classification. The artist frequently employs basketry techniques in her constructions, and her medium of choice consists of found objects. Together these two elements form the nucleus of Stetler's individual style.

"I'm inspired by material," Stetler says, adding that she finds much of her material in dumpsters. Discarded items such as cables, wires, garden hoses and electrical cords have weaved their way into many of her recent works, which are distinctively colorful as a result. Many of her pieces are turned into lamps or made into over head lighting decorations. Although some of her works are displayed as sculptures.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Stetler majored in art history and began her artistic career weaving traditional baskets. She started experimenting with found materials because - by her own admission - she was too cheap to keep buying the supplies.

"The colors were better and the material was more fun to work with, so I stuck with it," Stetler says. She told me that weaving things from cable wires has its difficulties, but admits that not matter how much extra time it takes her, she is always more satisfied with what comes out.

Until four years ago, Stetler has considered her art only to be a hobby. At that time, she became founder and co-owner of the Independent Art Company, where she set up her first studio. Stetler's long-term boyfriend, Dan Brawley, is the other co-owner of Independent Art Company and sometimes contributes to her works.

Her studio is one of about seven in the building. It is the only studio set up outside. She uses a shed in the fenced in area next to the building as a workshop. Her work has been shown in a variety of venues including the Louise Wells Cameron Museum or Art and Bottega Art and Wine.

She currently is working on two projects that are influenced by her feminist perspective. A series of dolls will portray various ideals of beauty throughout the world. She is also creating a sculpture of ovaries using found materials which looked very abstract and pleasing to the eye.

A native of Hilton Head, South Carolina, Stetler moved to Wilmington in 2002 and now plays an active role in the community. She works as a counselor for Planned Parenthood and is a member of the board of directors of the Wilmington Children's Museum. Stetler also serves as national bureau chief for Cucalorus film festival.

The artist recently discovered a new calling after witnessing the birth of a friend's son. "I was immediately hooked on birthin' them babies," Stetler says. "And decided to become a doula."

How'd we get here?

The story of Noah and the Ark is one many children can recite forwards and backwards, upside down or sideways. It’s likely they’ll never doubt the story, nor any of the other stories found in the Bible, including the tale in Genesis about our creation. No one has concrete proof that the stories throughout actually happened the way they did. Perhaps Noah and the Ark was a parable, a fairy tale of sorts, to teach people then and now some lesson. Maybe the creation story is mythical to a degree; God’s day certainly wasn’t the 24 hour period that we have come to know. No matter if it really happened word for word or if the stories are made up with a lesson behind them, it is faith that leads people to believe that what’s written in the Bible is there for a reason. However, faith shouldn’t be a factor in disregarding the theory of evolution. Some religious figures discourage the Big Bang Theory when discussing the creation, but should evolution be completely ruled out as a key part of our existence?

Darwin had a great idea about the existence of life. The changes make sense – on a small scale. Bird beaks that change over the years or fish whose ‘arms’ become fins makes a lot of sense. It happens when the area around an animal changes: either they adapt or die. A bird that isn’t able to eat because his beak is too short finds other ways. This ability to adjust and adapt may not be so mysterious after all, but instead the work of a creator.

It is written in the Bible that God made all living things. That’s a lot of things to create considering the number of species of just one kind of animal. Did God’s hand create the 300 or more known species of spiders? Probably not. Did he create the spider? That makes more sense. It was his crafting of the spider that allowed it to evolve. If God was able to create the world or to know how many hairs are on a person’s head, it’s reasonable to believe God knew there would be a need for adapting.

However, it’s really hard to understand how humans might have evolve from an ape. It could be that when humans were first created they did not have the mentality they do now. As the human brain continues to develop, humans continue to evolve. Twenty years ago who would have thought of having a DVD player in a car? Two hundred years ago who would have thought of even driving a car? At one time, we weren’t able to create such luxurious, but through the expansion of our minds it’s gone from being a fantasy to reality.

Everything that we as humans are capable of, as well as animals, plants, and bacteria, are part of a plan. How could bacteria grow, multiply or mutate without something greater in its structure? For humans and animals to have such complex body parts that depend on each other, wasn’t an accident. Our organs were carefully thought through and strategically placed, which seems unlikely to have occurred from a big bang. The world had to come from somewhere. The Big Bang theory suggests the Earth was spun into orbit after a collision in space. Maybe that is how our planet was created, but it doesn’t answer any of the questions about how living beings were put here.

Life is beautiful, the earth is beautiful. Everything we see on a daily bases is part of a cycle that has been here for millions of years but what happened before we were part of the plan is still unknown. The earth as we know it today won’t be the same for the next several generations. Regardless of the origins of life, it is ever evolving and should be embraced by everyone, including those with strong faith in the Bible.

A Look at Sweet Tea, Fried Chicken & Lazy Dogs


In today's fast paced, technology oriented society it is rare to find people who enjoy living in small towns. Bill Thompson is one of these rare individuals who lives in a small town named Hallsboro, in Columbus County.

Thompson has recently published a book entitled "Sweet Tea, Fried Chicken and Lazy Dogs." Throughout this book Thompson shares his experiences and takes his readers on a journey through a small country town.

Thompson begins his book by thanking the individuals who influenced his writing. Thompson uses this section to introduce the reader to some key individuals in the county. The reader, of course, does not know these individuals and is not expected to, but it helps cue the reader into the idea of small town relationships.

Moving on, Thompson gives the reader an explanation of his desire to write a book. He clearly states this book is not meant to be autobiographical, but it does contain personal stories. Thompson clearly identifies himself as "a good ol' boy." His definition of this term clearly outlines preexisting stereotypes and dispels them with the positive image of "a good friend who doesn't care much for some of the constrictions of polite society." Thompson also states the stories contained within his book are not meant to be life changing, but should be enjoyable and relatable for those who have lived in similar towns. Thompson's goal is to introduce the reader to the inside life of a small town creating a metaphorical bond between the big city and the little town.

The topics located within these pages cover a variety of interest and experiences. Many of the stories are amusing, such as In Defense of Chickens, The Carolina Yard Dog, or Mr. Fix It. Some of the stories cause serious thought and even a little sadness, as in The Pink Rocking Chair, or The Family Farm. Most of the stories are just honest examples of the simple beauty that can be found in small towns and its citizens.

The credibility of Thompson's stories is enhanced by the fact that he has lived and traveled outside of North Carolina and still finds the small communities comforting and worth writing about. Thompson has spent over 20 years of his life writing for North Carolina newspapers (including The News Reporter, located in Whiteville, a few miles outside of Hallsboro). Thompson has also written the "Front Porch" column for Our State magazine for many years.

Thompson uses his collection of essays to escort readers through his small town and some of the characters that reside there. While there are no essays entitled Sweet Tea, Fried Chicken & Lazy Dogs, Thompson does address each aspect of the title (in a subtle way) to ensure you actually read the book to understand the title. Thompson uses this great collection to convey his love for North Carolina and the benefits of small town living advocating the idea that "when we are so close to people and things, we can't appreciate what is there."